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Keller @ Large: Cheap Shots Against Politicians Are Not Fair Game

Mitt Romney and family, wave to the crowd at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center on November 7, 2012 in Boston. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

BOSTON (CBS) – It’s getting to be a little redundant, these groveling apologies from political or media types for grossly inappropriate comments about public officials.

The latest episode of what seems like a near-weekly series of mea culpas came this weekend from an MSNBC talk-show host who recently presided over a derisive discussion of the fact that former Gov. Mitt Romney’s son Ben and his wife have adopted an African-American baby son.

Listen to Jon’s commentary:

Keller at Large Jan 6 2014

One quotable quote, from an alleged comedian on the panel: “It really sums up the diversity of the Republican party and the RNC, where they have the whole convention and they find the one black person.”

Real nice.

Anyway, the host in question has issued a teary apology, which Romney has accepted.

But I can assure you it won’t be long before another idiot of the left or right blurts out some hopelessly crude, derogatory remark about someone on the other side of the fence.

Some people just can’t help themselves from flaunting their own stupidity.

The truth is, whatever you think of Romney’s political views or business record, he is a decent man who ought not be subjected to knee-jerk ignorance about his personal decency.

Same goes for President Obama, whose personal character appears to me to be above reproach.

While we’re at it, throw in Gov. Patrick, a devoted family man, new Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, an altruistic neighbor and friend, and the vast majority of public officials across the partisan spectrum.

Yes, I know, there are some rotten apples.

But most people in politics, like most people in your office or neighborhood, are decent people of character who do not deserve to have themselves and their families mocked by dullards.

And it’s on us – not them – if we come to consider that sort of garbage fair game.

You can listen to Keller At Large on WBZ News Radio every weekday at 7:55 a.m. You can also watch Jon on WBZ-TV News.

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Jon Keller is WBZ-TV News' Political Analyst, and his "Keller At Large" reports on a wide range of topics are regularly featured during WBZ-TV News at 6PM and 11PM. Keller also broadcasts morning dri...